Can a Case Be Heard Without a Newspaper Reporter Present?

Originally written by Charlotte Walker-Olivier, updated by the editorial team on 22nd June 2026

L.R asks

Could you please advise me if I have the right to have my court case (at magistrates' court) heard in private without a newspaper reporter?

What is open justice?

Courts in the UK generally operate on a principle known as open justice. The principle ensures that justice is conducted transparently and can be observed by the public. This means most hearings take place in public, and members of the public, including journalists, can usually attend.

This principle applies to both criminal and civil cases. It helps maintain trust in the legal system and allows the press to report on court proceedings.

Rights Situation Checker

Describe what has happened and find out which UK human rights protections apply and what you can do.

Try our Rights Situation Checker free, here on this site →

The right to a public hearing

Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights sets out the right to a fair and public hearing. The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates this article into UK law, making it directly enforceable in UK courts. This applies to anyone facing a criminal charge or involved in a civil dispute about their rights and obligations.

In practice, this means that the starting point for most court cases is that they will be open to the public. Reporters can attend, take notes, and publish accounts of what happens, subject to any court-imposed reporting restrictions. This right to report on court proceedings is seen as a safeguard against unfair treatment and helps keep the justice system accountable.

However, the right to a public hearing is not absolute. There are circumstances where courts can restrict or exclude public access.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

When can the public or press be excluded?

Courts have the power to limit public access in certain situations. This might apply to an entire hearing or just specific parts of it. Common reasons for restricting access include:

Cases involving national security or sensitive intelligence matters, such as those heard in closed material proceedings under the Justice and Security Act 2013
Cases involving minors, particularly in family courts
Situations where publicity could prejudice the interests of justice
Cases involving vulnerable witnesses who might be harmed by public exposure
Hearings where private or confidential information needs protection

Family courts often sit in private to protect the welfare of children. The Family Court and Court of Protection routinely restrict who can attend and what can be reported, though journalists may be permitted to attend certain hearings while remaining subject to reporting restrictions on what they can publish.

In criminal cases, judges may sometimes clear the public gallery during sensitive testimony or when a witness is particularly vulnerable. Sexual offence cases often have reporting restrictions in place to protect the identity of complainants.

What this means in practice

Court proceedings are typically held in public unless there is a specific legal reason for privacy. The court will usually explain any restrictions that apply.

Journalists have a general right to attend and report on open court hearings, but they must follow any reporting restrictions the court imposes. Breaking these restrictions can be a serious offence.

If you believe your right to a fair hearing has been affected, you may wish to seek legal advice. Citizens Advice can provide initial guidance, and the GOV.UK website has information on court procedures and your rights.

For detailed guidance on attending court hearings as a member of the public, you can check the HM Courts and Tribunals Service pages on GOV.UK. The Judicial Office also publishes guidance on reporting restrictions and open justice principles.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Rights Situation Checker lets you describe what has happened and find out which UK human rights protections apply and what you can do. Try it now →

80 questions

Ask About Human Rights a Question

AboutHumanRights Editor 19/05/2026 at 9:19 am

@Colinking Court proceedings in Scotland are generally held in public, and the press has the right to attend and report on cases at sheriff court level. You can't usually exclude reporters just because coverage would be distressing, though reporting restrictions are occasionally granted in limited circumstances (usually to protect children or vulnerable witnesses). Worth speaking to your solicitor about whether anything in your circumstances might support a restriction, and also about putting your mental health and personal mitigation properly before the court. Sounds like you've come a long way; good luck.

Colinking 08/09/2023 at 12:26 am

I made a massive mistake when in a very senior position. I was intrusted by my employers with many important roles/responsibilities one of these being a card holder for the company's budget. I had the autonomy to make relative financial decisions providing those decisions were appropriate for my service. When taking this role on I had, I know I was struggling with a gambling addiction. I used gambling as an escapism and coping mechanism throughout lock down I also left my kids and wife in lock down, my mum was diagnosed with cancer and my best friend died. I struggled mentally not seeing my children. That being said, I withdrew money from my companies account several times to use for gambling. Sometimes up 150 pound at a time. I lied when challenged about this making excuses. Long story short I was rightly charged with this and admitted straight away what I done. It makes me sick to the stomach how my actions may have affected and hurt ppl who trusted me. This was over 1 and half yrs ago. I am now being asked to attend court, and I will, I need to own what I done. My crime have cost me my career, friends and some family members. I cant even begin to think what impact it had on my employer and the service we provided. I am mentally better now, I am in a mediocre job, I have a partner and a new baby. I am just scared my case will go in the local papers, I don't want to be back to a mental health place as I was previously. However, if it does then I will own it, accept responsibility and try my best to have a positive mindset. I just wish I didn't do those things as it was out of character. I hope one day my previous employer can forgive me. I'm in Scotland.

Mary 03/08/2023 at 9:39 pm

I am going to court over retail fraud.
Can I have my trial done without the press or a court reporter. No past history before this.

Jamie 15/12/2022 at 5:37 pm

Can I object for a reporter in court? I'm going to be sentenced for dui and my work and children don't know. Its a sensitive case that involves my personal history. How can I avoid this? I cant bear the humiliation wuth all the stress factors im going through would be to much

Panda 26/03/2022 at 11:46 am

I was arrested last year and believe I was spiked. The club has since shut down for this reason.During my arrest my clothes were stripped from me. I was given two reasons to why this happened. I am being accused off assault I have no memory of the night only when I woke up in the cell I've now been charged. I'm suicidal and worried about the loss of my job if it goes in the paper I will kill myself. I cant cope with the humiliation. I've struggled with my mental health for years and assaulting the police is not even an option. However there must me some truth in it for me to be in this situation.im sobbing as i write this so not sure if I'm making sence.

Didi 18/05/2021 at 11:38 am

Can I object for a reporter in court? I'm going to be sentenced for dui and my work and children don't know. Its a sensitive case that involves my personal history. How can I avoid this please?

sarah 10/01/2021 at 10:21 pm

My husband was arrested this year for accidentally downloading indecent images, apparently uploading an indecent image and for emailing a 14 year old girl who cannot be traced at all. Police charged him with " making" the downloaded pictures on dates that don’t even correspond with where we were living during the time. He is due to attend court with myself by his side in 2 days. We have 2 very young children 3 and 4 years old, and I was wondering how i would be able to keep names/addresses and possibly photographs out of the newspaper for the protection of my children? My husbands solicitor is supposed to have been looking into it but she hasn't got back to us and surely she would have known weather it was possible. Please help.

Willy 19/06/2020 at 12:59 am

I was involved in a confrontation in Glasgow's city centre after the BLM started trying to get to a war memorial and ended up fighting with one of their mob. Iv been charged with a breach of the peace.

Salome 07/04/2020 at 1:40 am

Council accused me of fraud, we going to crown court. But I will like to know if it's legal to leave a person not charged for more than a year with out any way to earn money for food, accommodation and medication. Now the courts a closed, Im not allowed benefits, can not go out to bank to collect my allowance for the week as I am classified by NHS as vulnerable due to COVIT19. I do not have any means anymore to get food, pay for shelter and medication. I am also an RGN that could be working on this crisis. Have my human rights been violated?

Freddie Fox 07/03/2020 at 10:51 am

My family member is in one of the welsh papers and his name has been published online even though he did not commit a crime, it was for gross misconduct, he just got sacked from his job as a police officer. It is all over social media and twitter and the chief constable re tweeted it on her personal twitter. Because he has been named I as one of his family members have been caused even further great distress with people messaging constantly day and night, and our parents have had to be signed off on the sick due to this which has also caused financial loss, we contacted the paper to ask them remove the name but they said they can’t themselves and that we would have to contact the police force who sacked him to get it removed , and the paper said that the police didn’t have to publish his name they could of just released the article without naming him , but they already did so we contacted the police and the person in charge of the police news and media and they said as his names already been published it has to stay online for 28 days. What rights do we have with this? My family member admitted all allegations against him however originally asked for his hearing to be private which his barrister agreed too, but the chief constable over rode that and made it public . My family member is also a victim of domestic abuse and the domestic abusers father has also verbally abused my family member recently yet was still allowed to be present in the hearing causing my family member further intimidation and embarrasment. What rights do we have please?
We are in the UK

Mike 03/03/2020 at 3:53 pm

I'm attending court on 6th for possession of class b drug cannabis and I'm worried that my name will enter the local newspaper, therefore losing my job and putting me personally at risk. How can I stop this from happening?

Cadbury1977 22/10/2019 at 8:25 pm

I was waiting to be charged for an offence committed last Christmas, however several local papers reported the date and charges before I had even heard from the Police or my solicitor. A day or so later I received the charges via the post and with an amended date for later in the year. People I know were telling me things that were online to the public before I'd even been told anything myself, it's caused untold damage to my relationships with family and distress. How did the newspapers get their information and are the police allowed to give out information before I've been told myself? I can understand if I'd attended court or had been charged, but to hear important information 3rd hand through the public domain I feel there is a lack of professionalism on the part of the Police. I have been refused a few job interviews without explanation and since this has been made public before I've been informed I feel I've been discriminated without being given any opportunity to give an explanation.

Lee 11/09/2019 at 3:17 pm

My elderly father has been charged with viewing images which he was tricked into opening by someone he met in a chat room. He thought he was talking to a lady of similar age and interests and after building up a relationship this person sent my dad a picture of her cottage where she lived or so he thought. I have a young family and run my own business and know a lot of people in my Industry as does my wife. Can I stop this from getting out to the public as this would destroy my young families life....
Lee.

Mandy 06/09/2019 at 11:10 pm

I have been charged with drink driving. I told my work immediately and I was demoted. My court case is soon and I risk being fired if the case makes the papers. I was very over the limit. First time offence.

Don 23/08/2019 at 12:54 am

My daughter partner committed suicide and she has a post mitten hearing in dec but my daughter scared that her 9 year old daughter will find out how her daddy died so can we stop the press printing his name and how he died she is so scared kids in school will tell her if it gets in the papers has my daughter got any rights to the press

Prasad 23/06/2019 at 5:47 am

We are Indians, and effected by cyber attacks.

Sue 07/06/2019 at 2:38 pm

I'm being taken to court because I drove my partners car with out insurance and all though I have a pervisional license and my partner is a full license holder and was in the car with me we had a car crash so I'm being taken to court for no insurance and with driving with in accordance of a driving license i wanted to know if it will be in my local paper when I have to attend court

Tommy 06/06/2019 at 7:26 am

I'm in magistrates court for sentencing for benifit froud of £19.000 iv pleaded guilty will ti's be put in the news paper.

Vivianne 24/04/2019 at 10:18 am

Hello,

I pled guilty to charges last year. Through the multiple court appearances from magistrates to crown court the media was never present.

However despite promises from the investigating officer to my wife (because of my extreme vulnerability - mental health, psychosis, etc) and because of her vulnerability (working with dangerous people) that the police would not publicise my case, they went ahead and published their own "news" piece on their own website. It was misleading by omitting key facts, and included an accusation that was never proven, nor was any evidence of it ever happening found from me - it was something that was alleged but not proven, yet they presented it as fact.

The local media copy and pasted their article on their websites. I have been able to convince the police to remove the story due to many concerns.

Do I have grounds to ask the newspapers to do the same? Can they "report" on things that no reporter actually witnessed in a courtroom, that they never heard or saw?

There are many issues here but I do not want to say too much on a pubic internet page for obvious reasons.

MrMistake 16/03/2019 at 3:28 am

Long story short I did something wrong while off my face on drink an drugs I stupidly downloaded stuff I shouldn’t, I’m guilty don’t get me wrong an will take the punishment they see fit but my question is how can I keep this out of papers as the circle I move in the people I work with an see on a day to day basis will no doubt end my life they ain’t nice people an I mostly worried about my family the shame it bring on them, death is probably the easy way for me but my family don’t deserve this so how could I if it was possible.

louise123 20/01/2019 at 12:04 am

I am at court on 4th Feb for an common assault charge I have a 2 hour trial and I have pleaded not guilty. I am worried about this being in my local newspaper and I don't want this to happen because of my job.also this is my first offence what should I do on the day and do you think that the local newspaper will report this?

HH 18/01/2019 at 12:16 am

I have just lost my husband devastating we have two little girls and I was 7 months pregnant with our baby, he went on a night out and stupidly took drugs which was the cause of death which he has never done before, the papers are publishing the story, iv contacting them begging them not to to try and protect our children, I said they don’t even know iv told them I could loose my job, I’m working all hours with my two girls and new born babybto try and support us and they just done care, is there anything I can do? Iv run two solicitors but there all closed, I’m keeping my girls off school tomorrow I need some thing to protect them surely they should be aloud to publish our lives like this, they have wrote all sorts that I was pregnant that we have children they have posted that he had his own business and what he did, how are they aloud to talk about is with out our consent, they are going to destroy what we have left over night,

Paz 16/01/2019 at 4:16 pm

I have been a victim in a incident at my home adress that he came into I have gone through court and it has gone in the news paper they have included my full name. I am very stressed and I have wrote to the news paper it's a domestic. So I don't see how it's right they have included me in the article it has made me stressed and furious to be honest I have a 11 month old son too. Is that right?

Na 13/11/2018 at 5:00 pm

Have to attend magistrates Court for benefit fraud, working over permitted hours £16000.
If I get my mail sent to an accommodation address so I don't appear in the local paper, etc.
Is this legal

Anne Maynard 11/09/2018 at 12:56 pm

I am looking for answers and thought I may find them here how wrong I was! Most useless site ever I could do this job of referring everyone utter garbage!!

AboutHumanRights Editor 10/08/2018 at 12:25 pm

Talk to a representative from the court to find out what restrictions are in place. Usually it will mean names and details of the case will not be released.

Jenna 09/08/2018 at 2:52 am

I have been the victim of a serious crime, which is going to crown court within the next couple of months. I already been granted anonymity and reporting restrictions due to the nature of the charges against the suspects. Due to what is involved the case is going to be held in a 'Closed Court' which i have been advised is not open to the public. My question is does this mean that the case ref number for the trial will not be open for the public to see and nor will the outcome ? Thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 01/08/2018 at 2:58 pm

Talk to the police and a solicitor about this, Citizens' Advice will be able to refer you to cheap legal advice if needed.

Djg 31/07/2018 at 11:25 am

I have been to court on the 24th and pleaded guilty to being drink incharge of s child I'm truly ashamed of my actions but the papers have published it and made it look so much worse than it was and I've been branded a monster when I never did what was published and now it's getting shared all over FB and I'm now worries about my safety and my partner's

AboutHumanRights Editor 29/06/2018 at 3:46 pm

Please talk to a solicitor or a seek some free/low cost advice via Citizens' Advice. At the time of your interview at the police station you can ask for a solicitor to attend to help you and the police cannot refuse - they must either arrange for the duty solicitor to attend or make contact with a solicitor of your choice. You do not have to pay for this.

Peters18 28/06/2018 at 10:25 am

So I have an interview on Monday for downloading indecent images, I will plead guilty as I know what I have done and I am fully ashamed of it. What I really need to know is, what are my rights for anonymity? I have grew up disillusioned about my life about who I am, early in my life I was subjected to extreme child neglect and was therefore dragged into care, hell of a bumpy ride let me tell you, emotional rollacoaster for someone so young, I took it really badly. I never got help for my clear mental issues growing up. I'm a good person who has made a mistake but, I'm also a vulnerable person who will not be able to handle being branded a monster, (I've never hurt a soul in my life). How do I live through this now? Everyone will reject me. I'll have nobody. Help me, I'm near the end. This is not my fault, and I will take that to my grave.

Nss 15/04/2018 at 9:30 am

Hello,, my local newspaper publishes a court hearing section pretty much weekly. But they publish full names and their addresses.... is this allowed? I think it's completely unfair to share this information... and against rights to have a private life. I was just wondering which piece of legislation the reporters work under that allows them to do this? Tia nss

AboutHumanRights Editor 26/02/2018 at 10:12 am

Do you have a union rep who can help? Or a solicitor? They may be able to help you at the hearing etc. Please seek advice from someone - perhaps your counsellor - on how to tell your family etc.

Anna 22/02/2018 at 2:10 am

I have been charged and pleading guilty to theft from work. My hearing is next week. I am so remorseful for whatI have done I have made myself ill over the last few months. Im on medication for anxiety and depression...I already have 2 long term illnesses...my GP has referred me for counselling. I have never been in trouble before and feel for some reason ive gone into sorta self destruct mode aftee my last diagnosis. I am willing to take any punishment but I am almost suicidal at the thought of it being in the press and my family finding out. I feel so ashamed and it would destroy my elderly mother. Im guilty and expect punishment but I just want to spare shame and embarassment for my family. Is there anything I can do?

Adam 09/02/2018 at 5:45 pm

Hi a friend of my was arrested on public indecency a few weeks ago and he's had his photo took so the females who whiteness him could I'd him he's since fell into deep depression with this case and had no idea about one of the females age which was younger then 16 and now is paranoid that his family and friends will find out when he goes to court by the reporters/newspapers the town is small and hes is well know in the town and he imagines it will spread like wild fire can you help with this situation thanks

Hulk 23/01/2018 at 2:15 pm

My stepson whose currently serving time inside is up in crown court for an accusation of rape a number of years ago,
My worry is he has siblings with the same surname as himself and of school age,does a newspaper reporter have to be present on the day or is there a way of avoiding this.

Shaz 05/10/2017 at 8:14 pm

Hi Can the press print a story on me even if I'm found not guilty

Jonny 17/07/2017 at 10:30 pm

Hi, I'm due in court in a few weeks for making (downloading) indecent images which I don't remember. The police refused to caution me because they said it has to be heard in court, even though the police know I'm very ill. Solicitor says there's no chance for anonymity even though it's my right to apply for anonymity. I feel I have exceptional circumstances as I'm very ill, suffering from longterm mental illness and suicidal thoughts. I'm also living with other vulnerable adults at their address. Their street isnt big and their security would be jeopardised as a result of reporting. What circumstances and illness would qualify for me for reporting restrictions to be put in place? Every solicitor I spoke to just shoots down straight away my request that they submit to the court my reasons for requesting anonymity. Is it because the solicitors aren't understanding what I'm telling them? I'm not trying to stop it from being put in the papers, Im just trying to protect the vulnerable adults I live with from being collateral damage, as the area isn't the nicest of areas in terms of locals attitudes and vandalism is a problem here. If I had my own place I wouldn't be as bothered. Any help and info would be great, thank you.

Re 09/07/2017 at 9:40 pm

I was caught shoplifting two weeks ago , I got an adult caution for the first thing and a charge for the second . The value of the items I stole are 18€ . My questions are will my adult caution be brought up in court ? I was comming off very strong medication for a mood disorder ( mental health) at the time and my head was all over the place . I have admitted the whole thing .
My biggest worry is that my case will b in the local newspaper . I know l won't b able to deal with lt mentally . I have had suicide thoughts since this happened . Feel like I have let everyone down . Please help me . I can't deal with it anymore

AboutHumanRights Editor 30/06/2017 at 12:52 pm

Ask your solicitor to request that reporting restrictions are put in place.

Stevew 29/06/2017 at 6:15 pm

I was assaulted and the atracker has since been charged. There may be a trial but I don't want my name mentioned in the papers as having been assaulted. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Thanks

Steve

AboutHumanRights Editor 26/06/2017 at 10:17 am

Ask your solicitor to mention this to the court before the case is to be heard.

Xox 23/06/2017 at 3:10 am

Hi I am in court for a drink driving charge very soon and getting very worried that it will hit the papers as many of these types of cases do, I am getting very worried as I have a restraining order on a ex partner that is currently wanted by the police for a recall back to prison and I no he reads the paper every day and could quite easily find out my address as the reporters put your name and address in there!! Ive only just moved here is this a good enough reason for it not to go in the paper as it is a legal reason? I'm worried sick , thanks

Sims 20/06/2017 at 11:20 am

I've been arrested and served with summons to attend court next month...the offense shoplifting goods worth €45...this is my first time in court only my second arrest.First one being about 6yrs ago...am single on low income...2 sons one has Autism.
Went through the worst divorce hardly a year ago...what am I looking at when I go to court...does the solicitor have the power to ask the press not to print my story? Am totally scared.It would be the end of me...pliz help

AboutHumanRights Editor 04/05/2017 at 2:21 pm

It really depends on how the press decide to report it (if it's not discussed in court), that aspect will be ommitted from any reporting anyway.

Sadg 04/05/2017 at 1:35 am

I was wondering about having a dui charge and having child in car do they post that with name in paper

Tanz 30/04/2017 at 9:46 pm

I am going to court for stealing my fist affence in 13 years would I receive a caution or will I be prosecuted. If so would it be published in the local newspaper

May 20/04/2017 at 7:04 pm

I have recently admitted downloading indecent images and awaiting charge, is there anything i or my solicitor can do stop journalists attending court as my son is autistic and i am worried for his and my familys well being if it is printed in the paper i have left my family but still in the same area

AboutHumanRights Editor 31/03/2017 at 11:07 am

You can ask the court but it's very unlikely that reporting restrictions will be lifted unless it's in the public interests or personal safety.

Ann 30/03/2017 at 6:31 am

I am facing a trial for drink driving, although I wasn`t even caught on the road.
After my first hearing my full name and address was online,not printed, thank God.
I would like to ask the court to exclude journalist from my trial or just for restriction, not to use my full name and address as I can lose my job immediately, my house, my daughter...Not to mention, my daughter could be bullied at school and it would effect her mental well-being. Is it possible to avoid being in the local newspaper? My solicitor seems to be a bit weak about it.
Thank you.

AboutHumanRights Editor 13/03/2017 at 12:48 pm

A caution can be issued by both the police and also the CPS (the latter, via the courts). It's unlikely that it would be reported in the local press, but will be recorded and information can be passed on to prospective employers (in a DBS enclosure for example)

APG 10/03/2017 at 5:40 pm

I was found to be in possession of a class a substance yesterday. I voluntarily went for a police interview this morning and the policeman told me I would very likely just receive a caution. Could you tell me please would this be done in a courtroom and, more importantly, would it be likely to be in my local newspaper?

Lol 07/03/2017 at 7:40 pm

It's day 2 of crown court trail and papers have already put name and feel like he is guilty already I thought a trail was for the jury to listen to the evidence but it's in paper and people committed nasty and un true things is this aloud before a trail has ended and not been found guilty?!

AboutHumanRights Editor 01/03/2017 at 12:22 pm

Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done if someone simply has the same name as you. Undoubtedly, if he is charged and convicted, publications will display an image a long with the name and people will therefore realise it is not you.

Gee 27/02/2017 at 5:13 pm

A family member may be charged with a serious offence. I am the only other person in my small town with the same name, and if this is reported on it will affect me as well as my own children. Can this stopped from getting in the paper? If not, we will all have to move house, jobs and schools

Emma thomas 14/02/2017 at 9:33 pm

I've been charged with a caution but not been to court can it still go in the evening post?

AboutHumanRights Editor 09/02/2017 at 1:51 pm

You can ask the courts to restrict reporting, but they will only do this if there is a good reason (risk/safety etc)

AboutHumanRights Editor 08/02/2017 at 12:04 pm

Yes ask your solicitor to ask the courts to impose reporting restrictions for your safety.

Cheryl 08/02/2017 at 9:28 am

My son who's 22 is up in court today for fraud how can I keep this out of the local papers

Gina g 07/02/2017 at 4:17 am

Hi I am a witness in court for a domestic abuse assault that happened to me. I'm very worried about the paper printing my name and details as it will tear my family apart. Is there any way I can stop this?

Wolverine 29/01/2017 at 8:38 pm

I got 2 years off the road for driving new car 2 miles my cases was not fare I wasn't aloud speek judge didn't want to know. So I appeal it straight away. The following week it was all printers all over the paper is thus allow as I'm still waiting on my appeal.

Ron 20/10/2016 at 10:06 pm

I was charged with an offence that was held in a closed court are the press allowed to publish my name etc. This was in Scotland

Christianbw 13/10/2016 at 7:43 pm

The police and courts are not on the same level as normal Joe's! They get away with murder literally (joke Michael's widnes 13 police crushed him and murdered him yet nobody has been prosecuted) you are in the UK guilty until proven innocent and name address and all other details published in the great British press which I no longer read! I will ask the press not to print my partners name and my address and if they do then I'll ask why the same time the week after !!

Pabz 19/08/2016 at 7:48 pm

If I'm getting sentenced in crown court for 3 counts of assault by beating and 2 counts of criminal damage over £5000,,have a violant past. Would a reporter cover that kind of sentencing??

Lex 06/08/2016 at 2:29 pm

Hi, I have been advised to attend court as I have totted up on my driving licence and maybe facing a 6 month ban.

Would I be able to stop this from going to the press as I am pretty sure the press already be in court when being sentenced.

Any information would be great.

AboutHumanRights Editor 25/04/2016 at 11:04 am

The easiest way to find out if there's anything you can do would be to ask a legal professional for advice. If that's not possible you could try writing to the newspaper and asking them to print an apology.

Woody 23/04/2016 at 10:53 am

Hi, I was recently in court charged with violent disorder and after a 2 week trial I have been found not guilty in the case of self defence. Yet I now see that the paper has published my name and my address calling me a thug, what is there I can do about this can I sue the paper? Thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 11/02/2016 at 2:33 pm

Write to the solicitor and the other website concerned, requesting the information be removed. If it's not, seek advice from another law professional.

Sam 10/02/2016 at 2:57 pm

I had a court case last year and I won the case. There was no public uproar or any newspapers who wrote about the incident. However, my solicitor wrote this win all over his website and somehow it started off other websites to publish my name and the case details, this included Yahoo. Am I able to have all this information removed? If not all the information what can I have removed and how do I go about it with both other websites and my Solicitor's website? Thank you.

AboutHumanRights Editor 25/11/2015 at 10:11 am

You'd need to speak with your solicitor about this as generally court hearings are public.

Tilly 24/11/2015 at 4:23 am

I have been charged with with 4 charges I suffer from depression and since I have been charged it has appeared on police report my name wasn't mentioned on it been to court now I asked to paper respresentor not to publish it in paper been 13 days I rang on the 12th day and did not get a phone call bavk rang today and they said everything gets published I caint stop it is this right ? I suffer from mental illiness and it had gone on for to long now playing on my mind can I do anything about it as they say they are going to still publish it thank you Kim .

AboutHumanRights Editor 05/08/2015 at 11:34 am

@kev. Speak to your solicitor and ask if the courts can impose restrictions on this.

Kev 04/08/2015 at 5:37 pm

I was caught drink driving can I request that this is not shown in any paper? Ive had a hard year already with the death of my mother and she was a very well respected person in my comunity. I don't want to bring shame to her name

BB 28/05/2015 at 3:21 pm

I had a civil/driving offence (mobile phone) hearing in the Magistrate's court details of which were published in local paper's website. Can I request for the paper to remove the details from their site?
Thanks

AboutHumanRights Editor 17/04/2015 at 12:50 pm

@kath. If you have been burgled the police usually ask whether you want your name included with any press information. If you are accused of theft and are due in court, you should make your concerns known to court officials beforehand. They can request the press do not disclose names or that press remain absent from the courtroom.

Kath 16/04/2015 at 11:04 pm

Can they publish my name in the newspaper for a theft if I have a violent ex partner that has been documented by social services I don't want him knowing where I live will that be enough for a court order against them using my name in my local paper incAse he finds me

AboutHumanRights Editor 19/12/2014 at 10:33 am

@steph. Sorry we don't know the details of your problem as you haven't given any information, but if you cannot afford a solicitor, do try the Citizen's Advice Bureau who may have details of organisations that can help.

steph 18/12/2014 at 1:59 pm

Im desperate for help everywhere I go or who ever I talk to I get nowhere my sons sons right to a family life are been taking away from us we have no money to pay a solictor to fight the case of my partner being deported his right to medical care have not been granted I really dont know what to do anymore

AboutHumanRights Editor 03/12/2014 at 11:03 am

@Waggs. It depends what kind of court case it is and whether there are specific instructions about not reporting theses details.

waggs 29/11/2014 at 1:16 pm

What personal details will a newspaper report after a court case will it be name, date of birth address? And can they be requested to be withheld

Ask About Human Rights a question

Ask our editorial team a question and we will reply with our advice. Tell us as much about your situation as you can: the more detail you give, the more useful our answer can be.

You do not need to use your real name. Please do not include your full address, phone number, email address, or the names of other people. We may edit or remove identifying details for privacy and legal reasons.

Comments are moderated before publication.

Rights Situation Checker Tool

Can I Object to Data on National Children's Database?

Is It My Right to Know if He's Really My Father?

Can You Be Charged Without Caution?